Todd Carney: Laurent Frayssinous not concerned by stand-off's past

Carney's most recent club was Cronulla Sharks, before his sacking in June

Head coach Laurent Frayssinous has no reservations about the prospect of bringing Australian stand-off Todd Carney to Catalan Dragons, despite his sacking by NRL side Cronulla Sharks.

Carney, 28, was released from the southern hemisphere competition in June after he appeared to be photographed committing a lewd act.

Catalans are interested but face competition from Super League rivals.

"Todd knows what our expectations are," Frayssinous told BBC Sport.

"I know what I could expect of him because he wants to be recognised on the footy field and not off it."

The quality of Carney as a footballer is evident from his record, playing one Test for Australia and three matches for New South Wales in State of Origin.

However, he was also sacked by Canberra Raiders for off-the-field controversies in 2008 and by Sydney Roosters in 2011 for breaking a club drinking ban.

Carney's qualities led to a Test cap for Australia and three State of Origin appearances in 2012

Huddersfield tried to sign the stand-off in 2008 but he was refused a visa to work in the UK.

Catalans brought New South Wales back-rower Greg Bird to Super League while he was suspended from the NRL in 2009, and Perpignan has proved a popular destination for players coming to the Super League from down under.

Ben Pomeroy, Michael Oldfield and Sam Williams moved to the Dragons during 2014 and players such as Stacey Jones, Clint Greenshields and Jason Ryles have also featured at the Stade Gilbert Brutus during the summer era.

A deal is yet to be confirmed with Carney, with several interested parties, but Catalans have engaged in positive dialogue with Carney's manager David Riolo.

"It is understandable that there would be competition for such a quality player," Frayssinous added. "But there is some interest to play in France from his manager.

"I trust his manager and he says we are on the same level as the other clubs, what I can easily think is as an Australian player he will have a better lifestyle in Perpignan than in Hull for instance.

"The lifestyle is just one thing, footy is another."

Laurent Frayssinous was speaking to BBC Sport's Phil Kinsella.